. >> reporter: saturday 14-year- old marcus johnson was in the pitt area, watching his cousin complete warm up laps when the car suddenly went off the track and struck the santa rosa teen and another spectator, killing them both. >> i was completely shocked i just didn't think that was possible, not marcus. >> reporter: basketball coach, and teacher, patrick eagle described him as a dream kid and player. >> always supportive of his teammates, never said anything mean, tried hard all the time just an all around terrific kid. >> reporter: investigators are looking into whether the car's detachable steering wheel malfunctioned. his father said his nephew chase johnson had taken precautions with the wheel. >> he checked it. i watched him check it myself. i don't know how it could come apart. >> reporter: they were said to be more like broughtcome from a long tradition of racing. at the family's muffler shop a picture and words of remembrance for the eighth grader. >> i am going to miss him a lot. it is so crazy he is not here any more seemed like just yesterday we were playing basketball.